California Airplane Malfunction Injury Lawyer

Throughout California, people choose to fly on airplanes as a quick and convenient mode of travel for business trips, leisure and recreation, and even medical treatment or attending one of the state’s many prestigious universities. Flying in an airplane offers travelers the ability to take advantage of California’s diverse geography and many tourist attractions and events.

Because it’s such an efficient means of travel, people in California might not get on an airplane expecting it to malfunction.

Airplane Accident Victims Can Turn to Maison Law

Although it requires specialized training to fly and maintain it, an airplane is ultimately like any other vehicle in that it can experience malfunctions while it’s being used. When that happens, you or your loved ones could be seriously injured.

At Maison Law, our team of experienced California airplane accident lawyers understands the impact that any accident can have on you and your family. But being in an airplane accident often involves severe injuries at minimum. You can turn to Maison Law and our dedicated team to help you navigate this challenging time. We can provide you with legal advice and experienced support to make sure your rights are protected. To get started with a free consultation, contact us today.

What Are the Legal Requirements To Fly an Airplane in California?

Obviously, flying an airplane in California requires more extensive training and a different understanding of mechanics than a regular vehicle. Because flying an airplane carries such a risk, it involves a different set of regulations in terms of licensing and operation, set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

As it stands currently, to fly an airplane in California, a person must have either:

• A valid FAA pilot’s license
• Logged 250 hours of flight time as a licensed pilot in command of an airplane
• Logged at least 40 hours of flight time within the last year

With these requirements met, a person can fly an airplane in California. Typically, they do so for one of the following purposes:

• Passenger travel
• Business and trade
• Tourism
• Cargo transportation
• Emergency medical transport
• Agriculture
• Government and diplomatic missions
• Environmental monitoring
• Search and rescue

Mechanical differences

Regardless of the purpose of using an airplane, there’s also the mechanical differences that make flying one much different than operating a typical vehicle. While pilots have specialized training for actually flying an airplane, maintenance crews and others involved also have specialized training to make sure flights are safe.

Part of what makes airplanes so different is the fact that they rely on lift and propulsion, rather than acceleration on the ground. Thus, the mechanics and parts of an airplane are very different in terms of function and include:

• Wing design – Wings are shaped to create lift, which counteracts gravity and keeps the plane in the air. Wing shape, airfoil design, and wing size are key for lift.
• Ailerons – These are wing parts that move independently to tilt the plane left or right, controlling its roll.
• Elevators – Found on the tail, elevators tilt the plane up or down, controlling its pitch.
• Rudders – Located at the tail, the rudder swings left or right, guiding the plane’s yaw, or turning direction.
• Flaps – Hinged on wings’ trailing edge, flaps change lift and drag, aiding control during takeoff and landing.
• Thrust controls – Engines provide forward push. Throttle adjusts engine power.
• Landing gear – Wheels or skids help with takeoff and landing, retractable during flight to reduce drag.
• Trim tabs – Small surfaces on ailerons, elevators, and rudder help maintain stable flight with less pilot effort.
• Spoilers – These disrupt wing airflow, reducing lift and increasing drag for descent and slowing.
• Flaperons – Some planes have flaperons, combining aileron and flap functions for simultaneous roll and lift control.
• Stall warning systems – Alerts signal when the plane’s angle risks loss of lift, aiding safety.
• Hydraulic systems – Many planes use hydraulics to move controls and landing gear, especially larger ones.
• Fly-by-wire systems – Modern planes use electronic signals for precise control and automation.
• Autopilot systems – They handle aspects like heading, altitude, and airspeed to ease pilot workload during long flights.

With such a unique collection of parts, it’s no surprise that both flying and working on a plane requires a different sort of training–and can result in unique circumstances in terms of malfunctions.

Common Airplane Malfunctions in California

When it comes to flying a plane, it’s a very different experience than driving a car. That said, when you’re on a plane in California, it’s not unlike being in a vehicle in terms of the surrounding environment and potential for accidents when it malfunctions. Some of the most common reasons a plane malfunctions include:

• Engine problems – Engine failures or issues with engine performance can occur due to mechanical issues, fuel problems, or other factors.
• Electrical failures – Electrical systems, including avionics, can experience failures, affecting communication and navigation.
• Fuel system issues – Problems with fuel supply, such as contamination or fuel pump malfunctions, can lead to engine trouble.
• Landing gear problems – Issues with the landing gear can result in emergency landings or gear-up landings.
• Hydraulic system failures – Hydraulic failures can affect control surfaces and landing gear, potentially leading to loss of control or difficulties during landing.
• Avionics failures – Malfunctions in the aircraft’s avionics systems can affect navigation, communication, and instrument readings.
• Pitot-static system problems – Pitot-static system blockages or failures can affect airspeed and altitude readings, potentially leading to unsafe flight conditions.
• Propeller issues – Propeller damage or imbalance can impact engine performance and overall aircraft control.
• Weather-related challenges – California’s diverse climate can present weather-related challenges, including turbulence, thunderstorms, and low visibility, which can affect flight safety.
• Instrument failures – Instrument malfunctions can affect the pilot’s ability to navigate and maintain situational awareness.
• Structural fatigue – Over time, aircraft structures can experience fatigue or corrosion, requiring maintenance and inspections to prevent failures.

Injuries

When an airplane malfunctions, it’s not only the pilot or co-pilot that are in danger of being injured, but everyone else on board. While the specific type of injury depends on the circumstances:

• Turbulence can lead to injuries such as bruises, sprains, and minor cuts if passengers are not securely seated and wearing their seatbelts.
• In cases of emergency landings or landing gear malfunctions, passengers can suffer injuries like whiplash, broken bones, or head injuries upon impact.
• During emergency evacuations, passengers may experience injuries while evacuating the aircraft, including fractures, sprains, and bruises. Slides and jump from the aircraft can lead to such injuries.
• In the event of an onboard fire, smoke inhalation can cause respiratory problems, and burns may occur.
• Falling or loose items in the cabin or overhead bins can become projectiles during turbulence or sudden maneuvers, potentially causing head injuries.
• Passengers who do not fasten their seatbelts during turbulence or sudden maneuvers risk being thrown from their seats, resulting in various injuries.
• While trying to use emergency exits, passengers may sustain injuries like sprains or fractures.
• If there’s an explosion or structural damage, debris and shrapnel can cause severe injuries, including cuts, punctures, and more.
• In addition to physical injuries, passengers and crew may experience psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following an airplane malfunction.

In an airplane malfunction injury claim, a crucial aspect is identifying who is responsible for the accident. Unlike regular vehicle accidents, airplane malfunctions can involve multiple parties potentially sharing responsibility.

Who is Liable When an Airplane Malfunctions in California?

Ultimately, liability in an airplane malfunction hinges on negligence and its contribution to the accident. The following parties may be held accountable in a typical airplane malfunction accident:

• Pilots or co-pilots
• Air traffic controller
• Maintenance crews or cargo loaders
• Owner of the airplane
• The manufacturer of the airplane part or equipment that malfunctioned
• Owners of transported cargo or materials
• Airplane maintenance companies
• Government entities

Our team of experienced California airplane accident lawyers can assist you in pinpointing the responsible parties and proceeding with a claim against them.

Damages Available in a California Airplane Malfunction Accident

In California, the law clearly holds those responsible for accidents causing injuries accountable. If you’re the injured party or victim, you have the legal right to file a claim for damages against the party at fault, regardless of their identity.

Dealing with airplane accidents can be intricate, but our experienced California airplane accident lawyers can assist you throughout the process. Typically, starting a claim entails either following the standard insurance claim procedure or filing a lawsuit. Both options allow you to pursue financial support for a range of damages, including:

• Medical expenses, including ongoing treatment
• Property damage
• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral and burial expenses if the injuries were fatal
• Punitive damages, in cases of particularly reckless conduct by the liable party

Filing a claim protects your rights and aims to secure full and fair support for your incurred injuries or other damages. However, the outcome depends on the circumstances of your accident and the effectiveness of your claim presentation. Our team of experienced truck accident lawyers can handle this responsibility to ensure you receive the compensation entitled to you under the law.

Trustworthy Legal Experience and Guidance in California Airplane Accidents

If you’ve been hurt in an airplane or aircraft accident in California, you’re likely facing severe health challenges on top of financial and emotional impacts. While this is very distressing, you don’t have to handle it by yourself.

At Maison Law, we’re here to provide you with the support and expertise you need. We’ll explain your legal options and help you through this tough time. We’ll help you get the financial support you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.